It was reported for a while, but Michigan’s non-conference schedule is official. The Dusty May era is less than three months away from tipping off, and we have our first glimpse into May’s scheduling philosophy.
Here’s a full run-down of Michigan’s non-conference slate (with Big Ten games to be announced at a later date):
| Date | Time | At | Opponent | Location | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 20, 2024 | 5:00 PM | Neutral | Oakland University (Charity Exhibition) | Ann Arbor, Mich. | BTN+ |
| November 4, 2024 | TBA | Home | Cleveland State | Ann Arbor, Mich. | |
| November 10, 2024 | 1:00 PM | Neutral | Wake Forest | Greensboro, N.C. | ESPN2 |
| November 15, 2024 | TBA | Home | TCU | Ann Arbor, Mich. | |
| November 18, 2024 | TBA | Home | Miami (Ohio) | Ann Arbor, Mich. | |
| November 21, 2024 | TBA | Home | Tarleton State | Ann Arbor, Mich. | |
| November 25, 2024 | 6:00 PM | Neutral | Virginia Tech | Fort Myers, Fla. | FS1 |
| November 27, 2024 | 6/8:30 PM | Neutral | South Carolina/Xavier | Fort Myers, Fla. | FS1 |
| December 7, 2024 | TBA | Home | Iowa | Ann Arbor, Mich. | |
| December 10, 2024 | 9:00 PM | Neutral | Arkansas | New York, N.Y. | ESPN |
| December 18, 2024 | 9:00 PM | Neutral | Oklahoma | Charlotte, NC | ESPN2 |
| December 22, 2024 | TBA | Home | Purdue Fort Wayne | Ann Arbor, Mich. | |
| December 29, 2024 | TBA | Home | Western Kentucky | Ann Arbor, Mich. | |
With the opportunity to analyze the schedule, opponents, and strategy, here are some thoughts on May’s first schedule and what it means for this new-look roster.
1. Six high-major opponents is impressive scheduling
Dusty May said earlier this month that he wants his program to play one of the most competitive schedules in the country.
“When you look at our schedule, I don’t think the metrics are out because most schedules aren’t released. I would be shocked if we don’t have one of the most competitive schedules in the U.S.,” he said. “And that was intentional. We want to play in the biggest games. We do believe that if we play a very challenging pre-conference schedule, then we’ll be more prepared once conference play begins.”
Michigan’s schedule doesn’t lack substance. However, I’m not sure it reaches the “best in the country” caliber that May aspires to, mainly because the Wolverines aren’t likely to play any Q1-A games and don’t play a true road game.
There are likely three quadrant one games — Wake Forest, Xavier/South Carolina and Arkansas — and another three quadrant two games — TCU, Oklahoma and Virginia Tech — but not many blue bloods or teams you’ll see picked in the preseason top ten.
No one will accuse the Wolverines of taking the easy way out, but they aren’t facing many teams with Final Four expectations and not playing a true road game is a valid (albeit potentially dated) complaint. The early Bart Torvik numbers have Michigan favored in every game except for Wake Forest (77-76), and a potential Xavier matchup in Fort Myers would likely be another toss-up.
This schedule should be among the top 50 nationally and, when all is said and done, set Michigan up for seeding success.
Dusty May Promo!
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